During a Monday appearance on NFL Network's "NFL Total Access," NFL Media columnist Mike Silver shared a conversation with Haley, who said the Steelers were "shell-shocked" after star center Maurkice Pouncey went down with season-ending knee injury in the first series of the opener against the Tennessee Titans.

Haley told Silver that Pouncey's injury got into the head of guard David DeCastro, who accidentally plowed into the back of the center's right leg while trying to make a cut block. Pouncey's absence also scuttled the team's plan to use Kelvin Beachum at tight end, further compromising their game plan.

Haley believes the Steelers can re-group by leaning on quarterback Ben Roethlisberger to carry the team until the running game can get on its feet and injured tight end Heath Miller can return to the lineup.

It all checks out on this end. Roethlisberger long has been one of the game's most underrated quarterbacks. We don't doubt his ability to keep the Steelers upright. Of course, the Steelers have to keep Roethlisberger upright as well.